Press Releases

State Treasurer Riley Moore and House Assistant Majority Leader Kayla Kessinger, R-Fayette, today strongly encouraged the state Senate to pass House Bill 2933, which would ensure West Virginia’s public funds are not used by radicals involved in the anti-Israel boycott, divestment and sanctions movement.

“With increased economic sanctions against Israel recently being discussed by the European Union, the timing could not be more opportune for West Virginia to join the other 31 states in our country that have stood against these draconian economic actions against Israel, our most important ally in the Middle East,” Treasurer Moore said. “The hypocrisy of these actions by the European Union are particularly glaring given the fact that they will not sanction Hezbollah, a terrorist organization funded by the Iranian regime, which is responsible for countless acts of terror around the globe.”

Delegate Kessinger introduced the Anti-Discrimination Against Israel Act earlier this session. It would prohibit the state or any of its agencies or political subdivisions from entering into contracts with any entity that has been identified as participating in the Boycott, Divest or Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel.

“Israel is our closest ally in the Middle East – not only do we support them, but the people there love America,” Delegate Kessinger said. “I’ve had the privilege of visiting the Holy Land and gotten to see firsthand the importance of our support for the region and the people who live there. The Israeli-American relationship is the most critical alliance for stability in the Middle East, and this bill will ensure our state is doing everything it can to support our ally.”

Thirty-one states have already adopted similar proposals. The bill passed the House of Delegates by an overwhelming 94-2 margin on March 26. It’s now awaiting consideration before the Senate Government Organization Committee.

“As a former national security staff member of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the U.S. House of Representatives, I know how critically important Israel is to our security interests around the world,” Treasurer Moore said. “That’s why this legislation was a top priority for my administration after I took office. I’m so thankful for Delegate Kessinger’s passionate advocacy for it in the Legislature and hope the Senate gets this important legislation across the finish line soon.”

The legislative session ends Saturday, April 10.

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