Congress’ continuing concerns about discriminatory boycotts will be reflected in today’s potentially hearing House subcommittee hearing on the impact of BDS:

HEARING ADVISORY: National Security Subcommittee to Examine BDS Movement

“Impact of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions Movement”

Subcommittee on National Security (Chairman Ron DeSantis)

PURPOSE:

· To better understand the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) Movement, and review the economic impact of the Movement on American and Israeli businesses.
· To review how the goals of BDS may or may not be affected by International Trade Law, U.S. federal law, and state law.
· To seek to establish the formal position of the Administration with regard to BDS.
· To review potential actions by the Department of State to maintain free and open trade among the U.S., Europe, and Israel.

BACKGROUND:

· BDS is an economic campaign originated by Palestinian civil society groups in 2005, designed to apply pressure on Israel in connection with its negotiations with the Palestinians.
· The BDS Movement has impacted Israeli businesses and manufacturers, especially those operating in Israeli-occupied territories. Certain American companies have also been impacted by the BDS Movement.
· The recent Trade Promotion Authority legislation included language directing U.S. trade negotiators to discourage foreign partners from supporting the BDS Movement.
· The U.S. government’s position on the BDS Movement is an open question.

DETAILS:

WHAT: “Impact of the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions Movement”

Subcommittee on National Security – Chairman Ron DeSantis (R-FL)

WHERE: 2154 Rayburn House Office Building

WHEN: Tuesday, July 28, 2015

TIME: 2:00 p.m. EST

WITNESS LIST:

The Honorable Catherine A. Novelli

Under Secretary of State

Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment

U.S. Department of State

Mr. Daniel Birnbaum

Chief Executive Officer

SodaStream International Ltd.

Mr. Mark Dubowitz

Executive Director

Foundation for Defense of Democracies

Mr. Eugene Kontorovich

Professor of Law

Northwestern University

School of Law

Mr. Matthew Duss

President

Foundation for Middle East Peace

The hearing is open to the public and a live video stream will be broadcast here. For live updates during the hearing, follow us on Twitter @GOPOversight.