NBC News reported that Rep. Chris Smith announced that the special envoy to monitor and combat anti-Semitism will soon be named by the administration. Rep. Chris Smith actually wrote the provisions in the Global Anti-Semitism Act, which created the position in 2004.

When asked exactly when the position would be filled, Rep. Smith said, “Hopefully, yesterday, because the problem is very real. I don’t think we can wait any longer for this.”

Last year, Rep. Smith introduced the “Special Envoy to Monitor and Combat Anti-Semitism Act” which would elevate the position to the level of Ambassador, which would require Senate confirmation.

In a statement released about the time of the bill’s introduction, Rep. Smith said, “Jewish communities here and abroad continue to be targeted for hatred and deadly violence. America has a proud bipartisan history of leading the fight against anti-Semitism—a history we must build upon and expand. The Special Envoy is critical to focusing and redoubling our leadership and this bill enhances the position.”

“Smith, whose congressional district includes a substantial Jewish population, has also written legislation upgrading the special envoy position to a Senate-confirmed ambassadorship. The bill passed the House and awaits action in the Senate,” reported NBC News.

Rep. Smith is co-chair of the House Bipartisan Taskforce for Combating Anti-Semitism.