The Blackburn Report: Fighting Antisemitism on College Campuses

Following Hamas’ slaughter of over 1,400 Israelis on October 7, we are witnessing vile protests in celebration of the attacks on college campuses across the country. This week, I introduced a measure, which passed the Senate, that denounces antisemitism at institutions of higher education and pushes colleges and universities to voice their opposition to antisemitism on campus. I also joined legislation that would pull federal funding from colleges and universities that peddle antisemitism or authorize, fund or facilitate events that promote violent antisemitism.

Weekly Rundown

Biden is sending a $106 billion emergency funding request to Congress, but only $14.3 billion of that is allocated for military aid to Israel. Congress has the responsibility to ensure Israel has what it needs to defend itself. To hold that aid hostage by linking it with a myriad of other issues – including bailouts for sanctuary cities, aid for Gaza, and more money for Ukraine – is irresponsible. Ukraine and Israel are separate, complex issues that must be considered on an individual basis. I joined my colleagues in requesting that these funding requests be considered separately and that we prioritize aiding Israel first.
	Since 2021, Tennessee has delivered critical treatment and support to individuals suffering from substance use disorders through the Institutions for Mental Diseases (IMD). However, current law does not allow Medicaid funds to be used for patients at IMDs. I introduced a bill to establish a permanent state plan option in Medicaid that allows states to provide patients between the ages of 21 to 64 with substance use disorder treatment in IMDs.
Hamas’ horrific incursion into Israel and subsequent mass murder of innocent Israelis has been a solemn reminder of the critical importance of border security. Amid an unprecedented number of illegal immigrants arriving at the southern border, our Border Patrol agents are completely overwhelmed. That’s why I introduced the bipartisan Advanced Border Coordination Act, which will establish multiple joint operation centers along the southern border to allow local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to work together in a cohesive fashion. We must equip Border Patrol and other law enforcement agencies with the necessary tools to combat transnational gangs and hamper drug and human trafficking.
	It was wonderful to see Ashley Judd this week as we continue to focus on protecting kids online. Ashley is an advocate for mental health and suicide awareness, and she is pushing for legislative action to limit minors’ exposure to pornography.
It was nice to welcome Michael W. Smith to the U.S. Capitol for an evening of inspirational music.

Marsha's Roundup

Watch My Floor Speeches, Hearing Remarks, Unmuted With Marsha Episodes, And Interviews Below

ICYMI

If you know of any Tennesseans in Israel needing immediate assistance, my office is ready to help. Click here to get in touch with a case worker. Additionally, you can reach the U.S. Embassy in Israel by calling 1-833-890-9595 (toll free) or 606-641-0131 (local) or by clicking here. You can reach the U.S. State Department by calling 1-888-407-4747 if you are in the U.S. or +1 202-501-4444 if you are outside of the U.S. or by clicking here.
The reason many college students are virulently anti-Israel – and in many cases antisemitic – is their exposure to years of indoctrination by their colleges and universities. We cannot allow antisemitism to fester under the guise of progressivism on our college campuses. It must be eradicated. Read more here.
To learn about everything I’m doing to support Israel and counter its adversaries, please visit my new Israel web page.
If you are visiting Washington during the Christmas season, White House tours are booking up fast. Visit our website to request a tour.
For those of you who are planning on traveling internationally, please make sure your passports are current. At this time, the State Department is taking months to process passport requests. If you have any questions about this process, please call any of our state offices for additional information.