Congressman Ted Deutch (D-FL), a senior member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, issued this statement after Florida Governor Rick Scott signed into law SB-86, a bill opposing businesses engaging in the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel:

“Since serving as a State Senator, I have supported efforts to prevent taxpayers’ money from being used to support campaigns or countries that do not fit our values as Floridians and as Americans. This bill, building on the bipartisan work we began in 2007 recognizing and exercising our state’s economic clout, rightfully restricts the state from using public funds to invest in or do business with companies engaging in boycotts of Israel.

“I applaud the work of Florida Representatives Ritch Workman, Jared Moskowitz, and Kevin Rader, and Senators Joe Negron, Maria Sachs, and Joe Abruzzo in crafting this legislation, and the State Legislature for its overwhelming approval.

“Choosing to boycott or divest from Israel does nothing to further peace between Israel and Palestinians. Rather, it removes possible job opportunities and economic growth for Israelis and Palestinians while employing a double standard against a single country - our ally Israel. This legislation sends a clear message that the people of Florida stand with Israel.”