While the clock ticks down on the expiration of Affordable Care Act tax credits and other pressing national issues, House Republicans spent this week focusing on legislation grounded in conspiracy theories regarding public education. In a move that surprised constituents expecting opposition from their Democratic leadership, Rhode Island Representative Seth Magaziner joined Republicans to pass two of these measures.

The GOP-led House brought three bills to the floor: the CLASS Act, the PROTECT Our Kids Act, and the TRACE Act. Sponsors claimed these bills were necessary to stop foreign governments from “corrupting” American youth – claims for which supporters have provided no evidence.

The CLASS Act (Combating the Lies of Authoritarians in School Systems) mandates that schools disclose foreign funds or contracts exceeding $10,000 within thirty days. Critics warn the language is intentionally broad. A minority report authored by Ranking Member Bobby Scott (VA-03) noted that under this bill, even a local roofing contractor who is not a U.S. citizen could be classified as a “foreign source,” incentivizing schools to discriminate against anyone who “looks or sounds foreign” to avoid losing federal aid.

Despite these concerns, the bill passed 242-176. Representative Magaziner was among the 30 Democrats who broke ranks to vote in favor.

Magaziner also voted “Yes” on the TRACE Act (Transparency in Reporting of Adversarial Contributions to Education). This legislation requires schools to fund infinite copies of curriculum materials upon parental request, a provision critics argue will drain school budgets and staff time to service baseless conspiracy theories. The minority report argued the bill creates “severe losses of federal funds” for schools failing to comply with “ambiguous, cumbersome requirements,” and will likely chill cultural exchange programs.

These votes mark a continuing trend for Magaziner, who has frequently aligned with right-wing legislation since taking office. Earlier this term, Magaziner voted for H. Res 719, a resolution “Honoring the life and legacy of Charles ‘Charlie’ James Kirk.” Kirk was a hard-right figure whose organization is widely criticized for trafficking in bigotry and fascist rhetoric.

Magaziner’s voting record has also displayed staunch support for Israel, a stance that has drawn sharp criticism from human rights advocates as the state has become an ongoing perpetrator of unspeakable terror in the Middle East.

Most notably, Magaziner co-sponsored H.R. 987, the “Prime Minister Golda Meir Commemorative Coin Act.” Introduced while hospitals in Gaza played host to raids and bombardments, the bill seeks to mint coins honoring Meir, who famously claimed, “There was no such thing as Palestinians.” Proceeds from the coins would support an Israeli hospital organization.

Magaziner’s support for aggressive foreign policy measures includes votes for the “Israel Security Assistance Support Act” (H.R. 8369), which prevents the withholding of weapons delivery to Israel and forces the administration to utilize all remaining funds to assist Israeli terror operations. He also co-sponsored the “Accountability for Terrorist Perpetrators of October 7th Act” and voted for H. Res. 771, which declared standing with Israel as it “defends itself” against “barbaric war.”

Further, he supported H. Res. 1227, which facilitated consideration for a bill allowing police to carry firearms across state lines, alongside further financial defense support for Israel. This record highlights a distinct shift where the Representative has empowered legislative priorities often hostile to the progressive values held by many of his constituents. As we’ve seen this past week, this is likely to continue until he attracts a progressive opponent.