Congressman Cohen Condemns Rationale for Attack on the Southern Poverty Law Center

WASHINGTON - Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9), a senior member of the Judiciary Committee, today spoke at the third Republican-led hearing attacking the Southern Poverty Law Center (SPLC) and focused on the clearly false allegations that it is animated by antisemitism.

Addressing hearing witness Bryan Fair, SPLC's President and CEO, directly, Congressman Cohen said in part:

"I don't understand the questioning some have suggesting the Southern Poverty Law Center is not concerned about antisemitism and Jewish hate. As a person who has been exposed to Jewish hate and antisemitism since my birth, I guess - there's a ton of it on X, Mr. (Elon) Musk's hate-filled organization…that's increased lately - why would they be asking such questions? You go after antisemitism, do you not?"

Fair responded: "Antisemitism is hateful and groups that traffic in it, whatever their political ideology, will be identified."

Congressman Cohen continued: "As a Jewish person, I welcome all faiths to come to our aid and support and many have - many, many have. But usually when there's antisemitism, the Anti-Defamation League is on it. Jewish groups are not afraid to stand up and speak out against antisemitism. And none of them have contacted you (to complain)…

"What's going on in our country is really scary…We're looking at a president (who has) pardoned people who committed treason against our country, violence against police, desecrated our Capitol. They were convicted or pled guilty and he pardoned them, and now he wants to give them money.

"He may not want to leave come January 2029. He's got his army prepared. I wouldn't be surprised if a lot of people in ICE aren't J-6ers. That's why they wear their masks…"

Again, addressing Fair, he said, "I value your work."

At the end of his remarks, Congressman Cohen noted that when one of his best friends, Irvin Salky, died - the member of the first integrated law firm in the South -- he asked people to make memorial donations to the SPLC in his honor.

"I thank you for your work."

See his entire remarks at the hearing here.

# # #