Iowa House Republicans reject amendment to condemn antisemitic groups in the US

Iowa House Republicans found themselves in an awkward position last week. While pushing forward a resolution opposing international antisemitism, they rejected an amendment that would have condemned antisemitism from extremist domestic groups right here at home.

Iowa House Republicans last week passed a bill to unconditionally support Israel’s war in Gaza and unconditionally denounce antisemitism abroad. But when the conversation turned to antisemitism on the home front, it fell on deaf ears.

Iowa Democrats attempted to extend the condemnation of antisemitism to include President Donald Trump’s pardon of leaders of The Proud Boys and the Oath Keepers, two antisemitic groups that helped plan the January 6 riot at the US Capitol. 

The amendment’s sponsor, state Rep. Adam Zabner of Iowa City, is Jewish and has family living in Israel. 

“We are talking about groups that glorify Hilter. People who wore shirts at the US Capitol that said ‘Camp Auschwitz,’” Zabner said. “If we’re serious about condemning antisemitism this must be part of the conversation.”

A screenshot of Robert Keith Packer, who wore a “Camp Auschwitz” sweatshirt during the Jan. 6 riot at the US Capitol.

State Rep. Austin Harris of Moulton led the bill on the floor. He urged his 66 Republican colleagues to vote against Zabner’s amendment. 

“I don’t find this amendment necessary,” Harris said. “It addresses that we condemn antisemitism. This isn’t a resolution about Donald Trump. This isn’t a resolution about January 6.”

The following Iowa Representatives voted to reject the amendment: 

State Reps. Eddie Andrews, Brett Barker, Chad Behn, Michael Bergan, David Blom, Jane Bloomingdale, Brooke Boden, Jacob Bossman, Steven Bradley, Mark Cisneros, Taylor Collins, Jon Dunwell, Samantha Fett, Dean Fisher, Jason Gearhart, Dan Gehlbach, Thomas Gerhold, Cindy Golding, Bill Gustoff, Austin Harris, Helena Hayes, Bob Henderson, Christian Hermanson,  Steven Holt, Heather Hora, Chad Ingels, Thomas Jeneary, Rob Johnson, Megan C. Jones, Bobby Kaufmann, Barb Kniff McCulla, Shannon Latham, Judd Lawler, Shannon Lundgren, Joshua Meggers, Ann Meyer, Gary A. Mohr, Norlin G. Mommsen, Thomas Jay Moore, Carter F. Nordman, David Sieck, Brent Siegrist, Travis Sitzmann, Jennifer J. Smith, Ray Sorensen, Henry Stone, Charley Thomson, Mike Vondran, Ryan Weldon, Sam Wengryn, Skyler Wheeler, Craig Steven Williams, John H. Wills, Matt. W. Windschitl, Devon Wood, Derek Wulf, David E. Young, and House Speaker Pat Grassley.

While the amendment failed, the bill to unconditionally support Israel passed the House.