GOP Bill Proposes Sending Campus Activists to Gaza in Response to College Protests

Virginia’s Lieutenant Governor, Winsome Earle-Sears, spoke with LiveNOW from FOX’s Josh Breslow regarding the ongoing college protests across the United States, which have resulted in more than 2,000 arrests. In response, a new House Republican bill proposed by Rep. Andy Ogles, R-Tenn, along with Reps. Randy Weber, R-Texas, and Jeff Duncan, R-S.C., aims to send individuals convicted of unlawful campus activities since October 7, 2023, to Gaza for a minimum six-month community service period. This move is in retaliation for the Hamas invasion in 2013, which led to the deaths of over 1,000 people. Rep. Weber suggested that individuals supporting terrorist organizations and participating in unlawful activities on campuses should experience the consequences of their actions. However, given the slim Republican majority in the House, the bill’s future is uncertain. Nonetheless, the bill serves as an illustration of the escalating tensions surrounding Israel’s conflict with Hamas in the US. With bipartisan criticism from most Republicans and a considerable number of Democrats, progressive advocates continue to support student and activist protests on campus. For instance, Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn, faced a censure resolution filed by Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb, following her comments labeling some Jewish students as “pro-genocide.” Similarly, Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich, was censured for her remarks about Israel in the aftermath of October 7.