Commission to Study Acts of Antisemitism in the United States Act

Bill Number

H.R. 3691

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

Civil Rights and Liberties, Minority Issues

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2025-06-03: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

Last Updated

2025-09-27T08:06:00Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose of the Legislation

The primary purpose of H.R. 3691, the "Commission to Study Acts of Antisemitism in the United States Act," is to create a temporary bipartisan commission to investigate the rise of antisemitism (prejudice or hostility toward Jewish people) in the United States, particularly following events like the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel. The commission aims to examine causes, evaluate evidence from government sources, and provide neutral recommendations to the President and Congress for potential laws or actions to address the issue, without making predetermined political judgments.

Key Provisions

• Findings: The bill outlines congressional recognition of a surge in antisemitic incidents since October 2023, including 9,354 reported cases in 2024 (a record high per the Anti-Defamation League), an 84% increase on college campuses, and rises in assaults (21%) and vandalism (20%). It cites specific examples, like a 2024 arrest for threats against city council members in California.

• Establishment: Creates the "Commission to Study Acts of Antisemitism in the United States" as an independent body in the legislative branch (Congress).

• Duties: The commission must:
• Investigate facts and causes of current antisemitism.
• Review evidence from federal, state, and local governments on antisemitic attacks, without disrupting ongoing police or legal investigations.
• Deliver a report with findings, conclusions, and suggestions for new laws or government actions.

• Membership and Operations:
• Composed of 8 members: 2 each appointed by the House Speaker, House minority leader, Senate majority leader, and Senate minority leader.
• Balanced politically (no more than 4 from the same party); chairperson and vice chairperson selected jointly by House leaders.
• Appointments due within 10 days of enactment; members serve until the commission ends.
• Meets initially within 15 days of enactment and monthly thereafter; 6 members form a quorum for decisions, though fewer can hold hearings.
• Compensation: Paid at a high government rate (equivalent to Executive Schedule Level III) for active duty days, plus travel expenses; no extra pay for full-time federal employees or members of Congress.

• Staff and Resources:
• Can hire temporary experts (up to GS-15 pay level, or unpaid if agreed).
• Request staff from federal agencies on a reimbursable basis.
• Enter contracts if funded by Congress.

• Powers:
• Hold hearings, take testimony, administer oaths, and gather evidence nationwide.
• Issue subpoenas (issued by chairperson/vice chairperson agreement or majority vote) for witnesses or documents; enforce via federal courts for non-compliance (treated as civil contempt).
• Secure information directly from federal agencies.
• Provides limited immunity: Witnesses can't refuse testimony on self-incrimination grounds but can't be prosecuted for the matters discussed (except for perjury).

• Report and Termination:
• Submit a detailed report to the President and Congress within 1 year of enactment.
• Commission ends 120 days after the report, allowing time for wrap-up activities like sharing findings or testifying before Congress.

• Definition of Antisemitism: Defines it as a perception of Jews expressed as hatred, through words or actions targeting Jewish or non-Jewish individuals, their property, community institutions, or religious sites.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill introduces a new temporary commission, which does not directly amend prior laws but builds on existing frameworks for hate crimes and civil rights (e.g., it references evidence from ongoing investigations under current statutes). It adds subpoena and investigative powers similar to those of other congressional commissions (like the 9/11 Commission), but tailored to antisemitism. The explicit definition of antisemitism draws from international standards (e.g., the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance working definition) and could influence future interpretations of hate speech or discrimination laws if recommendations are adopted.

Potential Impacts

• Government Agencies: Creates administrative burdens for Congress (funding and oversight) and federal agencies (providing data or staff); may lead to new policies or enforcement priorities for the Department of Justice, FBI, or Department of Education in addressing hate crimes.
• Citizens: Could enhance protections for Jewish individuals and communities by highlighting antisemitism trends and recommending actions, potentially reducing incidents through better awareness or laws. Campuses and local governments might face increased scrutiny or support for anti-hate measures.
• International Relations: Indirectly ties to U.S. foreign policy on Israel amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, potentially strengthening U.S. commitments to combating global antisemitism, but without direct foreign policy mandates.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Jewish Communities and Advocacy Groups: Primary beneficiaries, as the commission focuses on their safety and rights; groups like the Anti-Defamation League may provide input.
• Educational Institutions: Universities and colleges, given the noted spike in campus incidents, could see recommendations for policy changes.
• Law Enforcement and Government Officials: Federal, state, and local agencies involved in hate crime investigations; members of Congress appointing commissioners.
• General Public: Broader society affected by efforts to curb hate speech and violence, promoting inclusivity.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Grants strong investigative tools (subpoenas enforceable in court), raising potential for legal challenges if subpoenas infringe on privacy or free speech. The self-incrimination immunity clause protects witnesses but limits prosecutions based on compelled testimony, aligning with Fifth Amendment precedents.
• Constitutional: Balances First Amendment free speech rights with combating hate (antisemitism definition focuses on hatred and manifestations, not protected expression). Ensures bipartisan structure to avoid partisan bias.
• Political: Bipartisan appointments (co-sponsored by Republicans and Democrats) signal cross-party concern over rising antisemitism post-2023 events, potentially influencing election-year debates on civil rights and national security. As a short-term commission, it avoids long-term bureaucracy but could spark controversy if findings lead to divisive recommendations on speech or policing.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Miller-Meeks, Mariannette [R-IA-1]

Cosponsors (3)

Rep. Wasserman Schultz, Debbie [D-FL-25], Rep. Salazar, Maria Elvira [R-FL-27], Rep. Kean, Thomas H. [R-NJ-7]

Recent Actions

• 2025-06-03: Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
• 2025-06-03: Introduced in House
• 2025-06-03: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Commission to Study Acts of Antisemitism in the United States Act — issued 2025-06-03 — PDF (10 pages)