FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, November 17
Contact: Logan Smith
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202-709-8825

Bend the Arc: GOP blockade of Dilawar Syed nomination shows “obvious bigotry”
As each of their claims is shown to be absurd, they find yet another sideshow – no matter how ridiculous

WASHINGTON – Bend the Arc: Jewish Action released the following statement on Wednesday in response to Senate Republicans continuing their blockade of Dilawar Syed’s nomination to the Small Business Administration:

“We are disappointed if not surprised that Senate Republicans are continuing their heinous blockade of Dilawar Syed’s historic nomination as the highest-ranking Muslim nominee in American government history,” said Rabbi Jason Kimelman-Block, Washington Director of Bend the Arc: Jewish Action. “Sen. Rand Paul and his GOP colleagues have used every excuse in the book to cover for their obvious bigotry in refusing to confirm Mr. Syed despite his qualifications. As each of their claims is shown to be absurd, they find yet another sideshow – no matter how ridiculous.”

“But their real motive is simple: They want to build a country that’s only for themselves and people like them, attempting to divide our communities with bogus accusations and making us afraid while they hoard power and wealth. That’s why Bend the Arc and our coalition of over 150 organizations across religious, racial, and ethnic lines are showing up to reject politicians who use fear to divide us against each other.”

“With their obstruction and baseless attacks, Republican senators are harming tens of thousands of small businesses and millions of people who are struggling to recover from the pandemic and need the support of the SBA.”

Bend the Arc: Jewish Action is uniting a movement of tens of thousands of progressive Jews across the country who are fighting for justice and equality for all. We are the only national Jewish organization focused exclusively on social change in the United States.

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