U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R) delivered remarks on the Senate floor condemning what he described as a growing wave of antisemitism across the country and urging Americans to recommit to the founding ideals of equality, liberty, and free expression.
Cornyn stated that the principles that define America, particularly freedom of speech and association, are being eroded by hatred and division.
"It is worth reflecting on the enduring principles that have made our nation unique in the world, and perhaps the most foundational of these ideas enshrined in the Declaration of Independence itself is that all of us are created equal, and we are endowed with our Creator with certain unalienable rights," he said.
Cornyn warned that antisemitism, which he called "the world's oldest form of hate," is reemerging in political and cultural spaces, particularly on the far Left. His views conflict with recent comments made by fellow Senator Ted Cruz (R) at the Republican Jewish Coalition, where he expressed that he has "seen more antisemitism on the right" in the past six months than "I have in my entire life."
Cornyn cited the recent election of New York Mayor-Elect Zohran Mamdani, who has reportedly expressed support for arresting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he were to visit the city.
Cornyn praised Republicans in Congress for "rallying to the defense of American Jews" and said that President Donald Trump "had no hesitation directly confronting the antisemitism still working in our higher education system."
"Standing up for the truth and condemning evil does not amount to canceling people," Cornyn added. "Freedom of speech and freedom of association both allow institutions and individuals to condemn evil when they see it."
As the U.S. nears its 250th anniversary, Cornyn urged a unity to "recommit ourselves to upholding the dignity of every individual in this country and around the world."
