Tuesday of this week, SELA’s two Congresswomen, Nanette Barragán and Linda Sanchez, joined 215 Republicans and 162 Democrats in passing H.Res. 883, “Expressing the sense of the House of Representatives that the slogan, ‘from the river to the sea, Palestine will be free’ is antisemitic and its use must be condemned.”

Barragán represents Carson, Harbor City, Harbor Gateway, Lynwood, Paramount, Rancho Dominguez, San Pedro, South Gate, West Carson, Wilmington, and parts of Bellflower, Lakewood, and Long Beach. Sanchez represents Diamond Bar, La Habra, La Habra Heights, Hacienda Heights, La Mirada, Los Nietos, Norwalk, Montebello, Pico Rivera, Rowland Heights, Santa Fe Springs, South Whittier, Walnut, Whittier, and parts of Downey and Industry.

The bill approved by Barragán and Sanchez said “this slogan has been used recently by violent protestors throughout the United States and the world.” Both Barragán’s and Sanchez’s Districts have seen numerous, non-violent protests in recent months, with many constituents chanting the slogan, and several local cities passing ceasefire resolutions.

The two Congresswomen have been long-time supporters of military funding for Israel, with Barragán saying on October 28th, 2023, “Israel has a right to defend itself & eliminate the threat of Hamas for the peace & security of its people.” The group AIPAC Tracker (@TrackAIPAC) has noted Barragán’s campaign funding by AIPAC, and constituent groups have repeatedly asked the Congresswoman to call for a ceasefire.

Although Barragán is a relative newcomer to Washington (elected in 2017), Congresswoman Linda Sanchez has been in Washington since 2003. Her support from (and for) AIPAC is well-known. In 2018, she spoke at the AIPAC LGBTQ and Allied Supporters Reception. She said, “The U.S. and Israel share a common bond of preserving democracy, freedom, and LGBTQ rights.”

The other SELA Congressional Representative, Robert Garcia, who has faced protests at his home in recent weeks, voted against the resolution. One resident of Long Beach said “This is yet another instance of Garcia talking out of both sides of his mouth. Where is his support for the actual ceasefire resolution on the floor of the House?”

SELA residents are expected to continue their protests in solidarity with the Palestinian people.