GOP Bill Proposes Community Service in Gaza for College Protestors

During an appearance on LiveNOW from FOX, Virginia’s Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears discussed the ongoing wave of protests on college campuses across the US, which have resulted in over 2,000 arrests. In response, a new House Republican bill, introduced by Rep. Andy Ogles (R-Tenn) alongside Reps. Randy Weber (R-Texas) and Jeff Duncan (R-SC), proposes that individuals convicted of unlawful activity on college campuses after October 7, 2023, should spend at least six months carrying out community service in Gaza. The bill follows a similar line to Israel’s ongoing military operation against Hamas, which began on October 7. Rep. Ogles explained that he introduced the bill because “if you support a terrorist organization and participate in unlawful activity on campuses, you should get a taste of your own medicine”. The proposal comes amid heightened political tension in the US regarding Israel’s conflict with Hamas, with both Republicans and Democrats expressing concerns about the protests on college campuses. However, progressive politicians such as Rep. Ilhan Omar (D-Minn) and Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-Mich) have faced censures for their views on Israel, with Rep. Omar previously accused of making “pro-genocide” remarks.