Republican bill to honor October 7 attack stopped by Democrats

New York Lawmakers Criticize Leadership Over Bill Commemorating Terrorist Attacks

On October 7, 2023, New York lawmakers expressed frustration towards legislative leadership for undermining a bill intended to commemorate the tragic Israeli terrorist attacks. Representative Leicester Chan, a Republican from Brooklyn, noted that the proposal has been in the works since discussions about hostage negotiations began a year ago.

Chan, who is a 24-year-old Navy veteran with experience in Afghanistan, shared, “I’ve seen atrocities there.” He mentioned that after prominent figures like Donald Trump entered the discussion about hostage negotiations, he instructed his team to draft a formal message regarding the issue.

Initially, a resolution was proposed back in January, but it was dismissed as “controversial,” which took Chan and his team by surprise. They decided to revise it into a bill, believing that while the resolution would only memorialize the events of the year, the bill could better ensure lasting remembrance.

With support from a few Democratic co-sponsors, Chan and his colleagues thought they had found a balanced approach to bring the matter to a vote. However, it was reportedly blocked by House Speaker Carl Heastie and other senior Democrats. Chan commented on the redirection of the bill, noting it was shifted from a smaller committee to a larger one, resulting in changes among its members.

In the midst of these challenges, some voices, like Republican Congressman Ali Brown from Long Island, accused Albany Democrats of “veiled anti-Semitism,” declaring that Congress had become “rotten.” The legislative body also resisted a resolution from Brown that included elements of Chan’s bill.

Chan candidly remarked that procedural hurdles had thwarted the GOP’s efforts during this session. He indicated his willingness to offer the bill to Democrats if it helped to honor the October 7 attacks, emphasizing that his heritage as a Chinese American does not dictate his stance on this issue. “It should resonate with non-Jews, particularly in predominantly Christian and Buddhist areas,” he said.

At least seven Democrats voiced their support for the October 7 Memories Act. Senate minority leaders echoed Chan’s sentiments in their remarks, pointing out that many New Yorkers were directly affected by the events in Israel on that day. “We should commemorate this tragic occasion,” one leader stated, criticizing the Democrats for prioritizing politics over the protection of their Jewish constituents.