Arizona House Democrats have issued a statement opposing efforts to designate the Council of American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) as a foreign terrorist organization (FTO).
The Arizona Democrats have called on House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) to block a review examining whether CAIR meets the criteria for FTO designation.
In their written statement, House Democrats note that CAIR was founded in the United States and assert there is no evidence linking the organization to terrorist activity.
They cite CAIR's stated mission of "enhancing understanding of Islam, protecting civil rights, promoting justice, and empowering American Muslims."
Recent Initiatives
The statement comes after Texas Governor Greg Abbott (R-TX) recently designated CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood as both FTOs and transnational criminal organizations.
This designation subjects both organizations to increased enforcement measures and restricts their ability to purchase land in Texas, further sparking initiatives nationwide on the policy.
However, Arizona Democrats characterize the claims against CAIR as "unfounded" and argue the organization poses no threat to national security.
They also contend that Congressional Republicans should focus on economic challenges facing American citizens rather than actions they believe endanger Muslim Americans.
Broader Efforts
The Democrats's statement frames their opposition to the designation as part of broader efforts to address violence against Muslim Americans.
They note that approximately 4.5 million Muslims live in America, making Islam the nation's third-largest religion. Because of this, the Arizona Democrats argue that the community is "dedicated to ensuring the freedom of religion and expression, protecting civil rights, and condemning all acts of violence against civilians." "[They] deserve to live in a country where they are not scapegoated and discriminated against because of their beliefs."
The Democrats urged Speaker Johnson to halt the legislation and address issues they consider more pressing to everyday Americans.
Questions about CAIR's foreign connections have created an ongoing controversy and the debate over the organization's designation is expected to continue.
