Resolution Condemns Incitement by Middle East Media and Seeks Terrorist Designation for Certain Media Outlets

WASHINGTON DC – A resolution condemning certain Middle East media outlets, authored by Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL), was today agreed to by the House Foreign Affairs Committee and will be referred to the full house for a vote.  The Resolution condemns the broadcast of incitement to violence against the United States, Americans, Israelis and the West by media based in the Middle East and urges governments throughout the Middle East, American allies, and other responsible nations to officially and publically repudiate purveyors of incitement to violence against Americans and the United States.  In addition, the resolution calls on the President to designate certain Middle Eastern media outlets as Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGT). 

After the resolution was agreed to, Congressman Bilirakis said, "There is a big difference between legitimate news outlets and propaganda vehicles for violent anti-American incitement.  Broadcasting terror recruitment videos, showing clips of attacks on coalition soldiers with words of praise and using cartoons to encourage children to ‘eat’ Jews are just a few of the many examples of illegitimate propaganda being peddled as news in the Middle Eastern media.  I am pleased the Foreign Affairs Committee has agreed to this resolution and I look forward to its passage on the House floor.  Along with my colleagues, I will continue to press for action against global terror finances, media, and groups.”

Congressman Bilirakis continued, “When legitimate media outlets are closed and dissenting voices are stifled in many Middle Eastern countries, this resolution is not about curbing freedom of speech, it is about shutting down terror tools.  We know that in the marketplace of ideas, freedom wins.  Unfortunately, that marketplace is empty because of self-serving governments and fear.  Non-violent voices, regardless of their viewpoint, must know we stand shoulder to shoulder with them.”

Congressman Gus Bilirakis is a member of the Veterans' Affairs, Foreign Affairs, and Homeland Security Committees.

Note: The original resolution, H. Res. 1069, was introduced by Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-NY).  That resolution was amended completely and replaced by the Rep. Bilirakis’ language in H. Res. 1308. 

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