Protecting Europe From Antisemitic Crime and Extremism Act

Floor Speech

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Mr. MAST. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6297) to require the Department of State to provide briefings on antisemitism in Europe, as amended.

The Clerk read the title of the bill.

The text of the bill is as follows: H.R. 6297

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the ``Protecting Europe from Antisemitic Crime and Extremism Act'' or the ``PEACE Act''. SEC. 2. CONSULTATIONS ON ANTISEMITISM IN EUROPE.

(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--

(1) the Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs, in consultation with other relevant officials of the Department of State, should assess the persistent and growing threat of antisemitism and acts of international terrorism in Europe as a matter of importance to the foreign policy of the United States; and

(2) the Under Secretary for Political Affairs, acting through the Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs, should diplomatically engage governments of countries of apparent concern on efforts for transatlantic cooperation to counter and address antisemitism and acts of international terrorism that may threaten transatlantic stability, the safety and security of United States citizens, and institutions abroad.

(b) Consultation.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter for two years, the Assistant Secretary for European and Eurasian Affairs shall consult with the appropriate congressional committees on the matters described in subsection (a).

(c) Appropriate Congressional Committees Defined.--In this section, the term ``appropriate congressional committees'' means--

(1) the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives; and

(2) the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate.

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Mr. MAST. 6297.

Mr. Speaker, anti-Semitism and international terrorism in Europe are real threats that undermine regional stability, transatlantic security, and the safety of American citizens living abroad. This threat skyrocketed after Hamas' October 7 terrorist attack. France recorded over 1,000 anti-Semitic incidents in just 1 month alone. Germany experienced a 240 percent increase. More recent incidents further underscore that threat.

On October 2, 2025, a deadly anti-Semitic attack at a Manchester synagogue during Yom Kippur killed two and injured others. In March 2025, a 22-year-old was arrested in Madrid for attempting to set fire to Rimmon Kosher, a busy kosher restaurant. Authorities charged him with anti-Semitic hate crime, attempted murder, and arson.

In March of 2026, two suspects on a motor scooter detonated an explosive device against the outer wall of an Orthodox Jewish school in Amsterdam. Also, in March of 2026, an explosive device detonated in front of a historic synagogue in Belgium during the early morning hours.

Beyond anti-Semitic attacks, Europe continues to face threats from the Islamic extremism. In February of 2025, French authorities classified a deadly knife attack in Mulhouse as an Islamic terrorist act, while German authorities disrupted and investigated multiple suspected Islamist-inspired plots during 2025.

This legislation builds on the Trump administration's effort to combat anti-Semitism and strengthen international counterterrorism cooperation. It ensures continued U.S. diplomatic engagement with European allies, and it requires regular consultations with Congress.

I thank the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Fine), my colleague and the sponsor of this bill, for his leadership on the issue. The bill passed the Committee on Foreign Affairs with broad bipartisan support. I urge my colleagues to join me in advancing it on the floor today.

Mr. Speaker, the rise of anti-Semitic violence and terrorist attacks across Europe is a stark reminder that radical extremism is not a relic of the past. It is a clear and present danger to freedom, to democracy, and to Western civilization.

The United States has to stand firmly with our allies, with the Jewish people, and with all those who reject terror and defend liberty.

Peace through strength is not just a slogan. It is a necessity. Weakness invites aggression. Strength deters aggression. H.R. 6297 sends a clear message that America will continue to lead in confronting anti-Semitism and strengthening international efforts to combat terrorism.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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