(Luis Cornelio, Headline USA) Reps. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., and Rashida Tlaib, D-Mich.—two Democratic members of the infamous “Squad”—delivered responses on Tuesday against a motion to censure Tlaib for issuing disturbing statements against the state of Israel.
The censure vote, led by Rep. Rich McCormick, R-Ga., marked the second time Tlaib faced a censure vote. McCormick argued that Tlaib’s defense of the phrase “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free” — often used to refer to the destruction of the Jewish state — merited the vote.
But Tlaib defended herself, claiming that her remarks were directed at the government of Israel and not the Jewish religion, citing Israel’s defense forces’ actions in response to Hamas’ terrorist acts on Oct. 7.
During her speech, Tlaib broke into tears when she defended Palestinians in Gaza, saying, “I can’t believe I have to say this, but Palestinian people are not disposable.”
JUST IN: Democrat Rep. Rashida Tlaib starts crying on the House floor and needs Ilhan Omar to comfort her as the House votes to censure her for her anti-Israel comments.
“I can’t believe I have to say this, but pa…Palestinian people are not disposable.”
*Sniffle sniffle* as… pic.twitter.com/hXCdNLQhRW
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) November 7, 2023
Omar, alongside other leftist members of Congress, chimed in to defend Tlaib, hinting that, “Rashida will stand strong and the Palestinian movement will continue for liberation.”
Rep. Omar: “Rashida will stand strong and the Palestinian movement will continue for liberation.” pic.twitter.com/S2yM8z7xp0
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) November 7, 2023
An attempt to block the measure failed on Thursday, with Rep. Bradley Schneider, D-Ill., joining Republicans in voting against killing the bill. Other Democrats, along with some Republicans, argued against the measure, citing the First Amendment. But McCormick pushed back.
“Rashida Tlaib has the right to spew antisemitic vitriol and even call for the destruction of the Jewish State,” he said in a tweet. “But the House of Representatives also has a right to make it clear that her hate speech does not reflect the opinion of the chamber, and that is what my resolution is about.”
Let me start by being clear that this is not a First Amendment issue. Rashida Tlaib has the right to spew antisemitic vitriol and even call for the destruction of the Jewish State. But the House of Representatives also has a right to make it clear that her hate speech does not… pic.twitter.com/zVAI5h6lBU
— Congressman Rich McCormick, MBA MD (@RepMcCormick) November 8, 2023
Tlaib came under heavy scrutiny for attempting to downplay the explicit meaning of “from the river to sea” in a now-infamous tweet.
“From the river to the sea is an aspirational call for freedom, human rights, and peaceful coexistence, not death, destruction, or hate,” she said, prompting even members from her own party to take down the post.
This phrase means eradicating Israel and Jews. Period. Dressing it up in a new PR ploy won’t change that. Only a return of hostages, eliminating Hamas and liberating Gaza from oppressive terror will save civilian lives and secure the peace, justice and dignity you seek. https://t.co/pPcjpMYRkS
— Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (@RepDWStweets) November 5, 2023
Cori Bush just went on what is probably the most unhinged rant I’ve ever seen in Congress on the censure resolution of Rashida Tlaib.
She even refused to stop after the mic was cut off. pic.twitter.com/yon1HfFEaP
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) November 7, 2023
Rep. Debbie Dingell defends Rashida Tlaib tweeting “from the river to the sea”: “I spent all weekend in Michigan talking to all communities about the meaning of this phrase and there are really strong feelings on all sides. People interpret words in different ways.” pic.twitter.com/Ix3QlZX0Nc
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) November 7, 2023
