WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, Congressman Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), delivered the following statement, as prepared, in support of H.Res. 183, which condemns anti-Semitism and anti-Muslim discrimination and bigotry:

"I rise in strong support of H. Res. 183, which condemns anti-Semitism unambiguously, as well as anti-Muslim bigotry and all forms of prejudice against minorities, as contrary to fundamental American values and principles. This resolution makes clear that we condemn anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, and racism no matter where on the political spectrum they may they emanate from – right, left, or center.

"This resolution is a statement of our values as a Nation, and, while it focuses on concerns raised in the last few weeks regarding anti-Semitism and Islamophobia, it addresses those noxious forms of bigotry in the context of our broader concern with all forms of bigotry and hatred in our country.

"Bigotry against members of minority groups based on their actual or perceived religion, ethnicity, race, or national origin are among the cardinal sins of our Nation. As the resolution notes, tolerance and religious freedom are among our country’s fundamental principles—so much so that they are enshrined in the very First Amendment to the Constitution.

"Sadly, without constant vigilance, our Nation has seen darker moments where religious and other forms of hate have reared their ugly heads. Often, our Nation has fallen short of its ideals when it has succumbed to the demagoguery of bigots. Indeed, one of the biggest problems facing our country today, and one that has bedeviled it in the past, is the fact that white supremacists have weaponized bigotry and hatred to achieve political gains. They do so by stoking hatred and division among Americans based on religion, race, ethnicity, or other characteristics.

"To combat this, it is imperative that all of us, but especially those of us in public life, speak out against such hate. Unfortunately, sometimes the perpetrators of religious and other forms of bigotry are themselves public figures, and even, distressingly, Members of this House.

"Indeed, in the last few weeks, comments have been made by some of my colleagues—on both sides of the aisle—that can fairly be characterized as anti-Semitic, and I have condemned these remarks.

"Anti-Semitism is among the most ancient of prejudices and is associated with pernicious stereotypes, including the claim that Jews exert control over the government and the global political and financial systems, that they are obsessed with money, and that their loyalty to their home countries is somehow in question.

"Assertion of these beliefs does not constitute merely making statements of political or policy positions. Rather, propagation of these beliefs have, throughout history, resulted in harassment, discrimination, and violence against Jews.

"And, while anti-Semitism is an ancient prejudice, its effects are not ancient history. Less than six months ago, a gunman murdered 11 worshippers at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, reportedly stating that he “wanted all Jews to die.” And, nearly two years ago in Charlottesville, Virginia, white supremacists with torches chanted “Jews will not replace us.”

"Despite this ugly history, Members on both sides have questioned the loyalty and patriotism of Members of this House. The trope that support for Israel, particularly among Jewish Americans, is the result of a “dual loyalty” to Israel and the United States is deeply offensive to me.

"What I find equally despicable is a somewhat analogous “dual loyalty” trope increasingly deployed against Muslim Americans. This includes the recent implication by one of our colleagues that another colleague is a spy, and a state Republican Party poster in the West Virginia state capitol that implied an association between that same colleague and the September 11, 2001 attacks.

"Indeed, statements have repeatedly been made in the recent past by public officials, including the President, which can be fairly characterized as anti-Muslim more generally.

"Particularly since the September 11 attacks, Muslim Americans have faced a gauntlet of prejudice alleging that they are inherently violent, disloyal, and foreign, and this has led to hate-motivated violence. In 2017, for example, there were at least five mosques that were bombed or burned in various cities around the country.

"Efforts to question the loyalty or patriotism of anyone in this country based on their religion or any innate characteristic is completely out of bounds.

"It is my fervent hope that this resolution will be a chance for us, both as an institution and also as a Nation, to remind ourselves of what we all believe in, and to come together and heal.

"I urge my colleagues to join me in voting for this resolution today, and I reserve the balance of my time."

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